A. THANK YOU TO ALL 4th GRADE PARENTS who attended the marvelous 4th Grade Strings/Band/Chorus Performance Thursday, 2/5. The music was exceptional and a special thanks to Liz Brummel, Wendy Clymer, Vicki Ghulam, all of their volunteer help and to LASF for making this magnificent concert happen! Well done, 4th grade musicians!
B. ALL PARENTS: All of our neighbors ask that you take great caution when driving to and from school and that your attention is placed entirely upon the safety of all vehicles and pedestrians in and around the school. Too many near-accidents have taken place due to the inattention of some drivers. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY FOR EVERYONE's SAKE!!!
C. 3rd GRADE PARENTS: You may pick up the results of the OLSAT Test your child took in November from the School Office beginning Monday, February 9. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Rachel Zinn at the District Office (927- 3510) or Mr. Wodhams (927-3580) here at Springhill. Thank you.
D. 1st-5th GRADE REGISTRATION FOR 2008- 2009: We have begun accepting 1st-5th grade registrations for the 2008-2009 school year. Please inform any new neighbors or those whose children are currently in private schools who plan to have their children attend Springhill School next year. Remind them to bring the child's birth certificate, immunization record and two proofs of address. Thank you.
E. YET AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH to Corrine Christensen, Dianne MacArthur and the PFC for the exceptional gourmet Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last Wednesday. As always, it was unbelievably scrumptious, delectable and ambrosial!!!
G. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"The time is always right to do what is right." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

CHECK OUT THE SIX PILLARS BANNERS HANGING IN THE CENTRAL COURTYARD!

Springhill School has recently sent a team of eight (four parents and four staff members, including myself) to San Francisco for three days this summer where we were introduced to an impressive, character development framework used nationwide known as CHARACTER COUNTS!! It has an excellent track record primarily with schools, but also with sports organizations, businesses, nonprofit institutions, etc. We are eager to share what we learned at this workshop with the Springhill community. As parents, you will have opportunities to learn much more about how we might use CHARACTER COUNTS! as a framework for all that we do at Springhill. Through school communications, parent ed presentations from our PFC and your own children, you will be kept apprised of this endeavor as the school year progresses. CHARACTER COUNTS! is based on the Six Pillars: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. We are enthusiastic about every aspect of CHARACTER COUNTS! and are looking forward to introducing its components to the student body. Because of the way in which the framework is designed and the flexibility with which it can be implemented, it can serve as an umbrella under which we will continue our PAY IT FORWARD program and our regular SPIRIT WEDNESDAY activities, and, perhaps, can create the opportunity for a number of additional activities. You will be receiving much more news about CHARACTER COUNTS! as the year unfolds, but you may also access the following website for more information: http://charactercounts.org/

Every week we will be including different aspects of our Pay It Forward theme for this year in the Friday Flyer. Character development should be a major component in any well-rounded educational program and it has been for many years at Springhill. Ask your children what their classes are doing for Pay It Forward. Come to Spirit Wednesday, 8:30 AM every Wednesday morning in the main courtyard and find out how we promote character development at Springhill School.

A. THE ANNUAL 3rd GRADE SMILE TRAIN GARLIC CROUTON SALE TOOK PLACE TUESDAY, 2/10, and SOLD OUT THE FIRST DAY. WELL DONE, 3rd GRADE!!! As of today, over $1120 has been raised. Every $250 raised sponsors a child's cleft palate surgery somewhere in the world. Thanks for Paying It Forward and supporting the pillars of Caring and Citizenship with this worthy cause! Thank you 3rd Grade!!!

DIFFERENTIATION CORNER

*Differentiated Instruction takes place in all of our classes. Each week we will be profiling a particular teacher's implementation of Differentiated Instruction every week in the Friday Flyer. Don't miss it!!!

In Mrs. Miller's kindergarten classroom, Marcy Cook math cards and tiles are utilized. The Marcy Cook Tile math program allows students to work at their own pace and ability level increasing the skill level as they complete each card. It is such a diverse program that it supports just about the entire Number Sense category within the mathematical state standards.

This Week in the Library

How many of you remember Harold and his purple crayon? Imagine a similar tale involving a pencil that discovers it can draw and proceeds to create characters and a story complete with a villain and a hero. Kindergartners heard Allan Ahlberg's imaginative story The Pencil, perfectly illustrated by Bruce Ingman.

"Pat out a crust of fruited plains - ladle out liberty - garnish with fifty bright stars." First graders learned How to Bake an American Pie when we read Karma Wilson's book. We talked about the words and symbols she and illustrator Raúl Colón used to help us understand and appreciate our country.

Guide words, section headings, photographs, captions, charts-it was time for second and third graders to learn how to find information in an encyclopedia. Each second grader researched a famous African American, while each third grader learned facts about one of our presidents.

Do you remember the famous painting by Emanuel Leutze "Washington Crossing the Delaware"? Fourth graders heard about General George Washington's plan to move 2,400 troops across the Delaware River in late December, 1776 to mount a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey in Lynne Cheney's book When Washington Crossed the Delaware. Using quotes from men on both sides, Ms. Cheney wrote about the events of that week in a vivid way that made the students feel they were there.

George Washington wanted nothing more than to rest after years of service to his country. When people asked him to run as a candidate to be our first president he refused, saying he was too old and too tired and he didn't want to live in New York but on his farm in Virginia. But Washington finally agreed to run (he was the only candidate) and was duly elected, even though nothing in his whole life filled him with "greater anxiety", he said. Fifth graders heard Suzanne Tripp Jurmain's account of Washington's decision and subsequent actions in her book George Did It.

Don't forget to check out our website at http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/ind ex.htm.You will find monthly updates on what's happening at the Springhill Library, an updated library wish list, reviews of new books, and links to many helpful resources too.

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read.
This week, reason number 18 is "It puts the universe at your fingertips."

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist
smattern@LAFSD.K12.CA.US

Garden Work Day - Postponed to Sunday, March 1, 2-5pm

Due to an incoming storm this weekend, we are postponing our work day until NEXT SUNDAY, March 1. We have a lot of projects for everyone, so we hope to see you next weekend! Bring your work gloves, shovels & rakes!

Contact Kathy - khemmenway@aol.com

SPRING BREAK:
Hideout Goes Hollywood - Please join us for Spring Break - March 30th through April 3rd as Hideout Goes Hollywood! We will be having competitions in drama, dance, sports, art & baking! The children will be creating awards and playing in sports competitions, too! This week is sure to be lots of fun. Sign up forms can be picked up from the school office or HIdeout, and will be available on our website at the end of February. Register early for discounts! For more information, please contact Beth Brown at 283- 7808 or beth@kidshideout.net.

SUMMER CAMP AT HIDEOUT:
Summer Camp registration packets will be available soon. We will have nine camp sessions this summer ranging from June 15th through August 14th. Stay tuned for details!

Start putting you foursome together for the
******Springhill Annual Golf Tournament*****

Friday, May 8th, 2009
At the Boundary Oaks Golf Course, Walnut Creek

Lunch, Dinner, Raffle, Prizes, Contests and loads of fun.
Come join us!!!

Run for Kieran
On March 8, Special Education Enrichment and Development Foundation of Lafayette (SEED) will be participating in a very special event that commemorates the life of one of Lafayette's children with special needs. Run for Kieran is an annual fundraiser held by the Quinn family to remember their son Kieran who died three years ago from a degenerative genetic disorder. Kieran was incredibly near and dear to the hearts of so many in the Springhill and greater Lafayette community. He was a loving compassionate child with an infectious smile and dogged perseverance who touched the lives of so many.

This year's Run for Kieran will benefit SEED and the Department of Genetics at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital. The Run is a wonderful way for us to come together as a community of families, teachers, and friends in support of our children with special needs. SEED hopes that all of you can join us for this wonderful event.

To learn more about Run for Kieran, to sign up for the run or to make a donation, please click here: http://web.me.c om/bridgetquinn

Bus Program Hires FIRST STUDENT for Fall 2009
The Lamorinda School Bus Program is pleased to announce that it has chosen a new company to provide regular-education school bus service starting August 2009. FIRST STUDENT is a well-known, reputable company with many years of experience in pupil transportation. With FIRST STUDENT's price, the LSBP will be able to maintain most of its service next year. (Continuing with Durham would have resulted in the elimination of five buses.) All buses will be new and will be equipped with seatbelts.
FIRST STUDENT will provide opportunities for current drivers to interview and sign on with them. We have been fortunate to have so many wonderful Durham drivers and hope that many of them will join FIRST STUDENT next year.
In the meantime, Durham School Services will continue to provide quality bus service until the end of the school year in June. Durham's special education contract is separate from the Lamorinda School Bus Program and remains unchanged. Questions or concerns can be sent to Juliet Hansen, Program Manager, at jhansen@ci.lafayette or 925-299-3216.

AFTER SCHOOL HOOPS
Join ONE on ONE BASKETBALL for After School Hoops at Springhill Elementary School. Throughout the winter and spring, skilled and experienced basketball instructors will conduct a one hour clinic, once a week, for you and your friends. These clinics will help you become a better basketball player through drills, contests, and game competition. Classes will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 2:40-3:40 PM. Starting March 3rd running thru May 12th, no class on March 31st. Cost will be $95 for the 10 week class. Please go to this page and register www.1on1basketball.com/ if you have any questions please call (925) 451-5888.

SUMMER RESOURCES FAIR
The American Camp Association and Seven Hills School are sponsoring a Summer Resources Fair, Saturday, March 21st, 10:00am - 1:00pm at Seven Hills School
975 North San Carlos Dr , Walnut Creek (near Heather Farms).
Come meet camp directors and recreational professionals and learn about the many summer programs for kids 4-15 years of age. Admission is free as a public service to families.

CAL SHAKES SUMMER THEATER PROGRAMS NOW ENROLLING!
Cal Shakes is happy to once again offer Summer Theater Camps & Conservatories serving kids ages 8 to 18, with locations in both Lafayette and Oakland Hills. Students engage in daily morning classes, ranging in subjects such as acting, stage combat, improvisation, text and more, while spending afternoons rehearsing a Shakespeare play. The final day of each program is dedicated to student performances. To enroll or learn more, visit www.calshak es.org/camps or call 510.809.3293.

CAMP EDMO
Features fun, hands-on Art & Science, Animation and Recreation activities designed by the ®Exploratorium, ®California Academy of Sciences, ®Museum of Children's Art, ® Zeum and the ®YMCA. Kids entering K-5th grade learn while they play, and play while they learn! Older campers (3rd-5th graders) can sign up for our NEW Animation sessions which include themes such as "Clay toons," "Comic Strips" and "Toy Stories." Our Arts & Science sessions, available to all K-5th grade campers, include themes such as "Fantastic Flyers," "Planet Super Heroes," and "Gadgets & Gizmos." Camp always begins and ends with silly camp songs, games, skits, or wacky water games.

East Bay Locations:
Oakland- Archway Elementary
Alameda- Otis Elementary
Moraga- Rheem Elementary
*Additional Bay Area locations in Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Price: Arts & Science sessions $369/week; Animation sessions $479/week. Kid Chow lunch service is optional. Camps run Mon-Fri., 9am-3pm with AM and PM Extended care available.

For more information visit www.campedmo.c om or call 415-731-6673.

SUN VALLEY SWIM TEAM
Want to join a great swim team? Come join Sun Valley Swim Team (SVST) this summer for the perfect combination of competitive spirit and team fun! Non- pool members are welcome to join our team. You'll love our sense of community and our new pool! In addition to swim team (ages 5-18) we also have a Pre-Team program for ages 4-5. We are also offering an after-school Spring Stroke Clinic by the Cal Women's Swim Team. Clinic is open to all swim teams. Swim team registration is Sunday, March 15th 12pm-2pm at Sun Valley Pool (1000 Leland Drive, Lafayette). For more information, check out www.SwimSu nValley.com or contact BVE parent Tracy Broback at GoRays@SwimSunValley.com

Girl Scout Rummage Sale
Girl Scout Troop 31983 of Lafayette is holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, February 28th from 8AM till 3PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, located at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, Ca 94549. There will be a large variety of goods at this rummage sale; including, furniture, small appliances, toys, clothes, and much more! Please join us in supporting the great work these girls are doing!

Friends of the Lafayette Library
ARTISTS WANTED!
Forms are available in your Library to enter the Lafayette Library Bookmark contest which begins March 2 and ends March 18th. Winners will be notified and an Award Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 7th.

The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Boys - PTA Parenting Book Club Discussion
Moraga - Thursday, February 26, 2009, 7:00 - 8:30pm, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School

Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons From the Myth of Boyhood (by William Pollack)

The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life (by Michael Gurian)

Join our facilitator for the evening, JM English teacher Mr. Don Read (a parent of two teenage sons himself!,) and other parents for a discussion of these books and share your own parenting experiences and tips.

You may register at the event or on-line (course #05- 6108) at http://adulted.acalanes.k12.ca.us/onlinereg/Classes.a sp? txtAction=LoadSections&txtCourseGroupID=1&txtCour seCode=0561 Questions & Comments? sherisweeney@sbcglobal.net or vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
In High School, College, and Beyond:
Helping Your Teen Thrive With Positive Self Image

Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Acalanes Theatre, No Fee

Topics Include:
Parent Influence
Weight as a Cultural Obsession
Sexuality/Social Life---How self image affects decisions
Eating and Exercise---What happens when they leave home

Sponsored by Acalanes Parent Ed, for more information email lgsendme@sbcglobal.net.

SAVE THE DATE:
Thursday, March 5, 2009, 7 - 8:30 pm in the Stanley Middle School Library.

The District Parent Ed committee hosts "Raising Emotionally Healthy Children: Learn Tools for Connecting with your Children and Helping Them to be Happy, Cooperative and Responsible" with Roy & Susie Smart who will share helpful tools and field questions. Roy and Susie have been facilitating parenting classes and presenting workshops together on positive parenting topics locally for over 8 years. We look forward to seeing you there!

Study Skills & Learning Styles
Kim Koppenhaver-Klute, Parent educator, speaker
Thursday, March 12, 2009, Noon - 1:30pm, library
Walnut Creek Intermediate School, 2425 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Why does my child listen to music while doing homework?
Discover Your Child's Learning Style!
There are many ways your student can succeed in school.
Come and find out how to help your student learn more effectively and efficiently by tapping into his/her learning style.
We will discover how sensory and emotional stimulation play an important part in your student's learning process.
We will also be discussing the role of stress in your student's life.
You will also learn how to encourage your student to become an active rather than a passive learner.

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Susan Candell: fridayflyereditor@yahoo.com

All entries due Wednesday before 3:00pm. Entries must be kept brief, please.
Subscriber info: bethhutson@comcast.net

Web: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill